EVERETT, Wash. ― At Tierra Nueva ― a multi-service outreach ministry to farmworkers and other Latino/a immigrants supported by North Puget Sound Presbytery ― three social enterprises are combining resources to form a new partnership.
New Earth Works will combine the efforts of the Underground Coffee Project, New Earth Farm, and New Earth Bread to produce and distribute quality food to Tierra Nueva supporters. To the folks in Tierra Nueva’s recovery, jail, migrant, and gang ministries, this project offers supportive employment. Workers in the three programs will be accompanied spiritually while growing in their job skills and developing positive work history.
“Consistent income and accompaniment are vital to lasting recovery from cycles of addiction, violence, and poverty,” New Earth Works leaders say. “People who purchase New Earth Works products will enjoy high quality vegetables, bread, and coffee while learning more about Tierra Nueva and the people who are meaningfully engaged in the business.”
Distribution sites include Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Sedro-Woolley, Wash.
MINNEAPOLIS ― The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area is looking for ways that it can support and encourage its churches in their ministry to and with youth.
The effort is starting by compiling a list of adults and youth are actively engaged in youth ministry in their congregations. Next will come idea- and resource-sharing.
“We’ll see what the Holy Spirit can stir up,” says the Rev. T.J. Parlette, pasteor of First Presbyterian Church of Rochester, Minn., who is heading up the new initiative.
LANCASTER, Pa. ― Donegal Presbytery ordained two new pastors on May 27.
Joyce E. Nelson Rowles was ordained at First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Joy, Pa..
Daniel R. Snyder was ordained at First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, Pa.
DES MOINES, Iowa ― Harriet George has been named as a recipient of the Older Adult Ministry Award by Des Moines Presbytery.
George, a member of Heartland Presbyterian Church, Clive, Iowa, has lived her life of faith through the lens of wellness. A retired nurse, Harriet has chaired the Parish Care and Wellness Committee. The committee provides health information, blood pressure checks, and flu shots to Heartland members. The committee sends cards to members in need and in celebration. They check on homebound members who may be in need of medical assistance, medical interpretation and support after illness, surgeries, childbirth, or death. Members may need meals, moral support, or transportation.
George is an active member of Presbyterian Women, participating in her circle and serving as a past moderator. She is among those women who created “Advent by Candlelight”, an event open to all women of all ages. “Advent by Candlelight” is an evening of celebration and reflection for those who are often the busiest during the Advent season.
Beyond Heartland, Harriet is a member of the Red Hats, which each Christmas organizes a gift-giving drive to assist a needy family in the local school district. She also volunteers in numerous ways with hospice.
LEXINGTON, S.C. ― Lexi Ricard, a member at Cherokee Presbyterian Church in Trinity Presbytery, turned 16 recently.
Instead of a big birthday bash and lots of presents, Lexi wanted to do something for those around the world who lack the basic necessities. She organized a shoe drive for Soles4Souls. Lexi contacted 13 different locations in the Lexington/West Columbia/Gilbert area and they agreed to be collection points for the previously-owned shoes.
As of the middle of April, she had collected over 1,500 pairs of shoes! Lexi's desire to celebrate a milestone birthday a bit differently has “born much fruit” and impacted the lives of people she has never met. What a wonderful example of discipleship!